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Local Politics and the 2004 Election

© John Jefferson

In this coming election, most signs are pointing to a close race. Both George Bush and John Kerry are going to need all the help they can get. The race is currently shaping up to be as close as it was in 2000 with many states, as many as 20, being so close to call that neither candidate appears to be the clear favorite and most of the polls indicate such a small lead that the number is usually negligible when considering the margin of error.

Both Bush and Kerry may want to tap all available resources, including resources on the local levels to help their campaigns. Municipal campaigners often have volunteer staffs who campaign for their choice with literature or phone blitzes going door to door meeting voters one-on-one or in small groups in an effort to get their vote. These are not always the same persons who perform the same functions for those seeking state or federal office. The volunteer staffs who tap into the local voters are valuable resources for Kerry and Bush as they have been able to gauge the reaction and overall mood of the local voters.

Having just worked on a successful municipal council campaign, I know firsthand the traditionally low turnout for local elections. However, I have also become familiar with the workings of local politics and I don't doubt that either candidate should try to get the attention of the local voters.

Now, how do they tap that base? The candidates need to make more appearances in small and mid sized towns. The low turnout is the norm in the large cities such as Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, New York City, and Los Angeles as well as dozens more but if either candidate shows up in Flint, Irvine, Silver Spring, or Paterson to actively campaign and meet the local leaders and voters, they will be one step closer to tapping the voters for money and the local leaders for election support.

What member of a small or mid-sized city council would deny either candidate access to their voter records and details that comport with lists of local campaign donors and party supporters who would also be valuable workers for a candidate? Lists of registered voters and campaign donors are matters of public record and neither candidate can be denied access. However, knowing firsthand, persons who volunteer to make phone calls or go door-to-door on behalf of candidates often make detailed notes on the voters they meet and greet. This is valuable information that will make all the difference in this tight race. Both candidates would be remiss if they did not make an active drive to align themselves with local political office holders and their resources.

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